Lindum Hockey have the odds stacked against them for survival in the Division One North, with just two games to go.
In their debut campaign, the Lincoln-based side have won just twice and need results to go their way alongside a duo of victories to avoid the drop back to the third tier.
Lindum host Harborne on Sunday, who they beat away from home for their first win of the term back in November.
Head coach Stuart Cunnington spoke to The Linc, and said: “If we get that bit of luck and results go our way on Saturday, then we need to make sure we are professional and do our bit on the Sunday. And, that’ll make it really interesting going into the last week.
“We always knew it was going to be difficult. I feel like we have played well enough to have more points at this stage of the season.
“We were always probably going to be down this way [in the table], and it would be nice to get it to that last week at least to give us a real fighting chance with one to go. It would be great for the county if we can stay up, but the odds are against us.”
Lindum have drawn their past two games, against University of Birmingham and Olton & West Warwickshire, but remain five points from safety.
Cunnington added: “The one against Birmingham, we were leading until the last 30 seconds. It’s really tough, in both of those games I thought we were the better team.
“But, there’s a big difference between a draw and a win. It would be a very different situation if we had got one of those wins at least.”
Deeside Ramblers travel to Durham University on Saturday afternoon, and three points for them would sink the Yellow Submarine back to the Conference before they have even played.
“We are confident that we can do our bit. It’s a big ask to win two games, but it’s two teams we beat in the first round of fixtures,” Cunnington said. “We’ve done well in the last two games and we’re improving, there is something to fight for against two teams we don’t have very much to fight for. It gives us a bit of an edge I think.”
Being at home this Sunday could give Lindum an advantage too, with a vocal backing expected once again.
Cunnington said: “I would say this year on average we have the most support, apart from maybe Loughborough University. We are very fortunate, and very grateful to anyone who comes and supports us.
“And, it’s not just Lindum, it’s people around the county now we have got to this level.”
Lindum will be hopeful of victory on Sunday, March 23, and The Linc will provide coverage of the game from 2pm on X (formerly known as Twitter).